I don't know how to put into words the beauty of this Island. We had been told by our destination consultant onboard that the harbor in Pago Pago was widely considered to be one of the most beautiful entrances to a harbor in the entire world. He also informed us that it was the rainiest harbor in the world. So, we got up early so we could go on top and watch as we sailed into Pago Pago. We certainly weren't disappointed. The water is sooooo clear, light turquoise and still. As we entered the harbor we were surrounded on both sides by jagged mountain peeks covered in lush green plants and flowers. I kept expecting someone to break out singing Bali Ha'i. ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!!!
Our tour guide, Linda, told us that we would hear her say frequently the words "one and only", such as "here is our one and only shopping center" or "this is our one and only road around the Island". She said Samoa is mainly an Island of one and only's!!! That is part of what makes this Island so attractive. Daily life here is slow and uncomplicated. They are ruled by a combination of locally elected officials and a chief chosen by each family. The chief must be able to speak traditional Samoan and be a direct descendent of the extended family for whom he serves as chief. These two groups of people, along with the religious leaders of the various churches, work together to govern the Island. Seems to work well for them and people see happy.
Our "tour" bus was a regular bus on their transportation system The only difference was that when it is used for tourists groups the Islanders decorate it with fresh Island flowers and greenery so people will know tourists are on board. Then, as our bus passes by, everyone smiles, waves and yells hello. It was sooooo fun.
Among our stops was a seaside village where we stopped at a Chief's house and participated in an Ava (some Islands call it Kava) ceremony. According to Islands, this drink is able to cure all sorts of ailments including sore backs, balding, etc. There was a performance by Island dancers which was really fun. One villager dressed and danced as a man for the presentation of the kava to the chiefs, then later dressed and danced as a female, complete with the flower in her hair, as a female for the show after the ceremony. S/he seemed equally comfortable in both dances. Very interesting.
In the afternoon we took another tour and it was just as wonderful as our morning tour. We went to the High Chief's beautiful home which was located on a hillside an an absolutely breathtaking view of the shoreline. His wife and daughter were there to host us. We were told we were having afternoon tea so most of us ate lunch on the ship between our two tours. Instead, the hostess and her family had prepared all sorts of Island drinks, fruit, sandwiches, and brownies. All of us sat down at tables overlooking this gorgeous view and they started putting down platters of food in front of some of us. We were assuming each platter was for all of us to share for the table but they kept bringing out platters until each one of us had one setting in front of us. Hmmm......dilemma. We've just had a nice (and filling) lunch on the ship and now the very excited and gracious hostess and her family have worked hard to prepare a meal for us. l We looked at the food, tried to eat a few bites and hoped we didn't offend them. I don't think anyone made it to the brownies, although they looked delicious :(
After lunch there was entertainment by another group of dances who were wonderful. This time they did the slap dance (or mosquito dance as they call it). Very fun. Some of us even got up to join in. Boy, I LOVE this Island.
This was our first port outside of the 50 U.S. states. It has set a VERY high standard for the remainder of the trip. Can't imagine any other place being as warm, friendly, gracious, or as beautiful as Samoa. Absolutely loved it here and am a bit sad to be leaving at the end of the day. Somehow I have a feeling we will return here someday (hopefully with our entire family)!!!!
Now. we're on our way to Tonga where I will write again.
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